Company social assistants

The company social workers do not compete with the help offered by self-help groups or public counseling and treatment centers, but rather see themselves as a link in the chain of various help services with a special focus on 'addiction in the world of work' and in this sense strive for coordination and cooperation with other counseling institutions and self-help groups.

Furthermore, the company social assistants do not claim to be the sole point of contact, but rather provide support when advice and help is sought from external institutions and groups. More important than the question of who is approached is the fact of taking the initiative in the first place and thus taking responsibility for oneself.

When outpatient or inpatient therapy is being carried out, there is the possibility of support and assistance from the company social workers if this is desired by the employees. Reintegration after inpatient therapy can also be accompanied by the social workers.

Managers can play a key role in workplace addiction prevention and support by intervening at an early stage in the event of unspecific or addiction- or drug-related abnormalities in the workplace. Staged intervention procedures can be regarded as tried-and-tested, scientifically proven procedures that have proven their worth in preventing and averting health hazards and preventing a deterioration in the health of employees due to risky or harmful substance use. Such a step-by-step plan for intervention is laid down in the service agreement for the University of Kassel.

The step-by-step plan describes the procedure for dealing with employees who neglect their obligations under employment or service law in connection with the use of addictive substances or addiction-related behavior, or who cause disruption to work processes or the working environment as a result. The aim is to confront the persons concerned with the abnormalities and to make it clear to them what specific changes are expected of them in their working behavior. On the one hand, the possible consequences that will result from continued misconduct in the future should be pointed out; on the other hand, help should be offered and perspectives opened up if they need support. It is one of the original tasks of superiors to address the persons concerned about what change in behavior is expected and what help the university can offer them so that they can comply with this request in the future.

In order to clarify such solution-oriented interventions in advance, e.g. to decide on the type and level of necessary interventions, the possibility and meaningfulness of consequences, the type and manner of help offered, the form and content of the discussion, the company social workers offer appropriate information and advice.

Perhaps you are sometimes not quite sure whether your own consumption behavior with regard to alcohol can still be classified as enjoyment and 'normal' consumption or whether it is already a risky consumption pattern.

The following link provides a low-threshold service for anyone who wants to take a 'sober' inventory.